Exploring the Future: Students from the Autonomous University immerse themselves in the world of nanoscience and nanotechnology

• Attendees learned about CEDENNA's developments and projects, touring the Electronic Microscopy, Nanomagnetism, Technology Transfer, Nanobiomedicine and Plant Nanobiotechnology laboratories.

In an exciting journey to the nano world, students of the Electromagnetism Physics course at the Autonomous University of Chile explored the fascinating field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

The day began in the Auditorium of the Research Centers Building of the University of Santiago, with an opening talk by Dr. Juan Escrig Murúa, Executive Director of the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA).

Then, the tour began in the Electron Microscopy laboratory, where they learned about the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). These high-precision instruments allow us to observe the nano world in great detail. The SEM provides detailed three-dimensional images of the surface of the samples, while the TEM provides projected two-dimensional images of the internal structure of the samples.

In Technology Transfer, students learned about advances in sensors for mining, designed to detect the fall of teeth from mechanical shovels. This technology makes it possible to avoid million-dollar losses resulting from the stoppage of work due to damage caused by non-crushable elements. In addition, innovative sensors were presented to measure the wear of bushings in mining machinery and to quickly and effectively detect the presence of pesticides in citrus fruits directly in the field. These advances represent a significant improvement for mining and agriculture, facilitating a rapid and precise response to the challenges of these sectors.

The tour also included a look at advances in cancer treatment using magnetic hyperthermia, and work with native and Antarctic plants to produce plant nanoparticles with various properties applicable in medicine, agriculture and cosmetics.

In a world where the small becomes big and the invisible becomes visible, these young explorers had the opportunity to learn, on a large scale, the exciting world of nanotechnology.